Fate and udon noodles

One of my favourite life theories is that you know you are on the right path - you know you have made a right decision - when a series of incredible coincidences pepper your way.

After months of gut-wrenching disgust at the corrupt and manipulative environment in which I worked, I finally popped. I had been lured into this job by promises of bonuses, share options, incredible wealth, being treated as part of a 'family', and I had given up all my travel and home-coming dreams to give this venture a go. I worked hard and passionately, and put up with the jibes, sociopathic tendencies, and erratic behaviour of my CEO. However, when he announced he was bankrupt as a result of being sued for misappropriation of funds by the company he was previously CEO for, my suspension of moral beliefs cracked, and a flood of distaste and ethical repulsion flowed. I wish I was capable of hiding these feelings, it would have saved me much angst, but I can't, and so my relationship with the CEO soured in every way. I think he then made it his goal to make my life miserable, as revenge for the loss of my respect for him, and he pretty much succeeded. I was miserable, lacking motivation, a battered wife.

The final straw though, was being told by our Chairman that the bonuses and share equity that we were promised, should never have been promised, and therefore were not going to be paid. My polite entreaties into this were returned with rude harsh intimidating statements that I should just get on with my job, and if I didn't like it I could leave.

So I did. I resigned. And my goodness do I feel good about it!

Of course, there was still a legacy of doubt - if I had waited another few months, I could have convinced them to pay me some bonus... with new management coming in I wouldn't have to work with the sociopath and it could turn into a better job...

So on the night of my resignation, while talking on the phone, the first coincidence hit me: it happened to be my four year anniversary in London that very day! The day I make a life-altering decision was the day I arrived - hopeful and ambitious - on these shores.

Then on my way to dinner with Rachel (our COO) and our partners, the second coincidence hit me. The last time I went to Cicada for dinner was precisely four years ago tonight! When I arrived from the airport, my friend Pete took me out for a 'Welcome to London' dinner down the road from his place, and this destination was were, unknowingly, I had returned on this fateful day.

Needless to say, my back was a highway of shivers.

It was then that I knew I was on the right path. I have no idea what my future holds. I know I will travel extensively on my way back to Sydney, but beyond that is hazy, pleasantly so. I shed the doubts that have for so long ensnared me in safe conventional roles, and cast my fortune into the wind. It feels right, and I am so very excited about what Fate has in store for me next!


Cicada is a wonderful Aussie-run modern Thai establishment, with a delicious and varied menu (and the best edamame beans I have ever had!). That night though, I was in an udon mood. I have occasions where I yearn for udon noodles - their thick fullness satisfying some internal craving. So when I saw a Salmon and mussel laksa on the menu, my heart thumped hard. The noodles were the thin variety, so I almost wept with joy when the waitress assured me they could use udon instead. It was an inspired request, as the meal for me embodied the richness, fullness, piquancy and sweet creaminess with which I view my immediate future!